MUSICA DIVINA
Works by: Schutz, Scheine, Bach, Draeseke, Bruckner
etc.
Dresdner Kreuzchor
Roderich Kreile.
DG 453-484-2
76m
DDD.
Crotchet
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Das ist je gewisslich wahr SWV388. Die Himmel erzahlen die Ehre Gottes
SWV386 (Schutz). Der 116 Psalm (Schein). Domine ad adiuvandum. Herr wenn
da Trubsal ist (Homilus). Der Geist hilft unserer Schwachheit auf BWV226
(JS Bach). Friede uber Israel op.25 No.3 (Duda). Der 93 Psalm op.56 (Draeseke).
Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt (Mendelssohn). Schaffe in mir Gott ein reines
Herz op.29 No.2 (Brahms). Os justi (Bruckner). O Herr mache mich zum Werkzeug
deines Friedens op.37 No.1 (Hessenberg). Nachtlied op.138 No.3 (Reger).
The Dresdner Kreuzchor must be Germany's equivalent of the more celebrated
Wiener Sangerknaben and I would stick my neck out and declare a preference
for the boys from Dresden. This well filled CD contains a host of beautiful
music from the 16th century Schutz onto the relatively modern Reger and all
is handled with a ruthless efficiency so typical of Germanic choral tradition.
However one must not expect any lack of interpretative prowess as the choir's
director eases the boys into some highly characterful singing. The polyphony
of Schutz and Schein is delightfully matched by the more corporal works by
Draeseke and Bruckner. Indeeed the former's 93rd Psalm is an excellent example
of German romanticism at its best. The choir negotiates high notes with admirable
dexterity making a very beautiful listening experience. The programme is
indeed judiciously chosen and there is also some Bach and Mendelssohn in
keeping with tradition. The acoustic of the Kreuzkirche may be slightly hollow
but the engineering is suitably brilliant to enable all the notes sung to
be heard properly. There are some pretty imposing photos of the church inside
the booklet too. All in all, a fine release and a must for the choral enthusiasts
who should have this splendid boy's choir in their collection.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
